Weaving the Digital Web: Indigenous Insights into Technology

Purpose & objective

The purpose of the presentation titled "Weaving the Digital Web: Indigenous Insights into Technology" is to provide educators with an in-depth exploration of Indigenous instruction in the digital age. The session aims to inspire and empower educators to integrate Indigenous perspectives and representation into their teaching practices and cultural awareness by leveraging digital tools. It addresses the need for diverse perspectives and cultural contexts in education and highlights how technology can be a valuable tool for preserving Indigenous cultures, revitalizing traditions, dismissing stereotypes, and enhancing learning outcomes.

By participating in this session, attendees will achieve the following objectives and outcomes:

Engaging with an Indigenous Educator:
Participants will gain an understanding of how Indigenous educators are actively integrating their cultural heritage into digital teaching methods. They will learn how to weave traditional wisdom into modern technology to create culturally relevant and engaging learning experiences for students.

Collaboration and Sharing:
Participants will have the opportunity to engage in group discussions and collaborative activities. They will exchange ideas and best practices for incorporating Indigenous perspectives into their own educational technology initiatives.

Reflecting and Planning:
Participants will reflect on their own educational contexts and consider how they can integrate Indigenous perspectives and technology. They will develop actionable plans for creating inclusive, culturally responsive, and engaging learning environments that honor Indigenous knowledge.

Evidence of Success:
Success in this context can be measured by participants' ability to actively integrate Indigenous perspectives into their teaching practices and the creation of culturally responsive and inclusive learning environments.

Outline

Introduction (5 minutes)
* Welcome and session overview.
* Setting the context: The evolving landscape of education and technology.
* The importance of embracing diverse perspectives and cultural contexts.

Engage with Indigenous Educators (10 minutes)
* Presentation by Indigenous educators: Sharing their experiences and practices in integrating Indigenous cultural heritage into digital teaching methods.
* Demonstrations: Examples of how traditional wisdom is woven into modern technology.

Explore Indigenous Perspectives on EdTech (10 minutes)
* Overview of Indigenous communities' adaptation and adoption of technology.
* Case studies: Examples of technology applications to preserve languages, revitalize cultural practices, and enhance learning outcomes.

Collaborate and Share (15 minutes)
* Group activity: Participants are divided into small groups.
* Guided discussion: Each group discusses and shares ideas on incorporating Indigenous perspectives into educational technology initiatives.
* Collaborative brainstorming: Identifying challenges and potential solutions.

Discover Resources (10 minutes)
* Presentation of a curated collection of digital resources and tools that facilitate Indigenous instruction and cultural preservation.
* Demonstrations: How to use these resources effectively.
* Accessibility strategies: Ensuring equitable access to resources.

Reflect and Plan (5 minutes)
* Guided reflection: Participants briefly reflect on their own educational contexts.
* Encouragement to consider action plans for integrating Indigenous perspectives and technology.

Conclusion and Q&A (10 minutes)
* Recap of key takeaways.
* Inspirational success stories: Celebrating Indigenous communities' achievements in leveraging technology.
* Open Q&A: Addressing any remaining questions and sharing additional resources.

Closing Remarks (5 minutes)
* Session summary and key messages.
* Encouragement to continue exploring Indigenous perspectives in the digital age.
* Gratitude for participation and contributions.

Supporting research

https://theredroad.org/issues/native-american-education/

https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/informational/indigenous-innovation